"A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma": defining central auditory processing disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Speech and Language Pathology

Background:

• The existing definition of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) by Cacace and McFarland (2005) attempts to distinguish it from peripheral hearing loss and other cognitive issues.
• However, this definition is critiqued for being both too broad and too narrow, potentially misclassifying certain auditory dysfunctions.

Discussion:

• The current CAPD definition may exclude low-level deficits affecting multiple senses.
• It might also incorrectly include modality-specific linguistic processing deficits under the CAPD umbrella.
• The author argues for a revised definition that excludes supramodal causes.

Key Insights:

• A revised definition of CAPD should exclude supramodal causes of auditory deficits.
• The core of a useful CAPD definition should be based on impaired brain function.
• Demonstrable deficits in processing nonspeech sounds are crucial for a precise CAPD diagnosis.

Outlook:

• Further research is needed to establish objective criteria for diagnosing CAPD based on nonspeech sound processing.
• Developing new diagnostic tools that can identify modality-specific, low-level auditory processing deficits is essential.
• Refining CAPD definitions will improve diagnostic accuracy and targeted therapeutic interventions.